Information/Write-up
Ivan Burgess: A Voice from Bermuda to Canada
Early Life and Education
Ivan Burgess was born in 1938 in Bermuda and arrived in Canada in 1955 at the age of 17, beginning a journey that would see him excel in music, poetry, and theatre. He attended St. Pat’s High School in Ottawa, where he first began singing publicly, before pursuing higher education at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and later at the Ontario College of Education in Toronto.
While building a career as a high school teacher at Brockton High School in Toronto, Burgess simultaneously cultivated his talents in music and the arts, balancing both passions throughout his life.
Rise in the Canadian Music Scene
Burgess' talent was first recognized on CBC Television’s Talent Caravan, where he placed third in the Finals in Toronto. This led to a series of performances at high-profile venues, including the United Appeal All-Star Revue at Massey Hall, where Globe and Mail critic Arthur Brydon wrote: “If there was a showstopper, it was Ivan Burgess. He sang only two songs but could have held the audience for 10 more.”
Burgess continued to make waves, performing at Toronto’s Constellation Hotel and Poor Alex Theatre, as well as making television and radio appearances, including CBC-TV’s Mr. Dressup and CBC Radio’s Now Hear This.
Early Recording: Wanderin’ with Ivan Burgess
Before his landmark album Minstrel of the Dawn, Burgess recorded Wanderin’ with Ivan Burgess for Citadel Records in 1962. This album featured a collection of folk standards, including Greensleeves, Country Boy, Juanita, and Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, alongside lesser-known compositions like Tokio Wonderland and What Lies Over the Hill.
At the time of this release, Burgess was in his final year at St. Francis Xavier University, preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree. His growing reputation led to further national exposure, particularly through his CBC television performances and music festivals across Canada.
Wanderin’ established Burgess as an emerging folk artist and set the stage for his future contributions to Canadian music.
Minstrel of the Dawn (1970): A Groundbreaking Album
In 1970, Burgess recorded Minstrel of the Dawn for the Canadian Talent Library. This album was historic, marking the first fully Canadian-content LP released by the label.
The record featured five original compositions by Burgess - 'Outsider', 'Shadowy Street', 'Miss Marianne', 'I Want to Live', and 'When My Love Comes' alongside works by Gordon Lightfoot, Gene MacLellan, and Gilles Vigneault. The album blended Burgess’ smooth vocal delivery and evocative songwriting with a stellar lineup of musicians, including Ed Bickert, Moe Koffman, Jack Zaza, Peter Appleyard, and Norm Amadio.
The album’s production credits were also particularly impressive, with arrangements by Jerry Toth and Rick Wilkins, production by Johnny Burt, recording engineering by Mark Smith, and coordination by Bob Stone
The album received attention in the Canadian music press, with RPM Magazine (Nov. 21, 1970) noting: “Interesting vocalizing by Halifax find, Burgess. Outstanding guitar work by Burgess and Ed Bickert.” In another RPM feature (Dec. 5, 1970), the publication highlighted the significance of Burgess' record and noted that he was scheduled for CBC television appearances on December 1st and 25th that year.
Despite its strong reception, Minstrel of the Dawn would be Burgess' final known recording.
Beyond Music: Poet and Playwright
Burgess was also a published poet, releasing Flowers of Grave Concern and completing a second volume, Sunday Afternoon.
As a playwright, he gained recognition for Horseshoe House, a full-length play that had a nine-week run in Toronto, earning critical acclaim. His ability to transition between music, literature, and theatre highlighted his artistic depth and storytelling ability.
Legacy
Although his discography remains small, Ivan Burgess left a lasting mark on Canadian arts and culture. From his early folk recordings to his groundbreaking LP and acclaimed theatre work, he was a true multidisciplinary artist.
His contributions helped solidify homegrown Canadian music, at a time when the industry was still developing its identity. Blending the influences of his Bermudian roots with Canadian folk traditions, Burgess carved out a unique place in Canada’s folk and singer-songwriter movement.
While much about his later years remains unknown, his music, poetry, and theatre work stand as a testament to his talent and passion. Ivan Burgess may not have recorded many albums, but the impact of his voice and artistry continues to resonate.
-Robert Williston
Ivan Burgess: vocals
Ed Bickert: guitar
Moe Koffman: flute
Erica Goodman: harp
Jack Zaza: bass
Ron Rully: drums
Peter Appleyard: vibes
Norm Amadio: organ
Arranged by Jerry Toth and Rick Wilkins
Produced by Johnny Burt
Engineered by Mark Smith
Technical Consultant: Bill Baker
Recorded at RCA Studios, Toronto, Ontario
Executive producer: Mel Thompson
Photography by Cyril Sharp
Design and coordination by Bob Stone
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